The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards came to a close with a performance that left everyone talking.
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys took the stage to perform their hit song Empire State of Mind, showcasing their love for New York City. However, the performance took an unexpected turn when Lil Mama decided to join them on stage.
Lil Mama, known for hits like Lip Gloss, was seated just a few rows away from the stage when she was overcome with emotion during the New York-inspired performance.
In a 2009 interview with MTV News, she recalled the adrenaline rush she felt as Jay-Z walked through the tunnel towards the stage. “I felt like yeah New York!,” she said, explaining her decision to join the performance.
Although Lil Mama meant no harm, both Jay-Z and Alicia Keys expressed their feelings about the incident. Jay-Z, in an interview with Angie Martinez, called Lil Mama’s actions “out of line” and stated that it disrupted the carefully planned performance.
Alicia Keys, on the Today show, chose not to dwell on the incident, focusing instead on the phenomenal performance that took place.
Despite her good intentions, Lil Mama took the opportunity to apologize to both Jay-Z and Alicia Keys during the MTV News interview. She expressed her love for the fellow musicians and her desire to have a one-on-one conversation with them to clear the air.
The 2009 VMAs will always be remembered for the unexpected and controversial moment when Lil Mama joined Jay-Z and Alicia Keys on stage. Emotions were running high, and Lil Mama’s actions sparked a wave of discussions and apologies in the aftermath of the performance.
